A Men’s Lifestyle Platform.

Watches

Some people are ready to go over the top to get that special someone a gift of their dreams. However, spending excessively on gifts is probably not something you can do every month and definitely not something you can afford twice a month. Now, birthday, Christmas and anniversary are occasions where the price tag doesn’t matter. Still, this doesn’t mean that a good present is necessarily an expensive one. This especially goes when gifting us guy.

So, are you after that perfect stocking filler? But getting what you want is important (or, if your just buying for yourself this Christmas) here are a few great last minute ideas.

The Christmas trend for 2017 is for luxury personalised products. In the lead up to Christmas Farrar & Tanner wish to inspire choice for premium lifestyle products that can be beautifully monogram or engrave.

Forbes and Lewis’ traditional travel bag, the Vintage Somerset Holdall encapsulates the great British weekend away with a classic worn leather appearance. A generously spacious travel holdall with two large internal pockets, the Somerset has all the space needed to pack for a long weekend in the countryside or an important business trip.

Crafted from waxy buffalo leather, this bag has a luxurious finish steeped in history. The shoulder strap is adjustable for added comfort, wile a pair of large leather handles offer an alternative mode of carry. Lined with a cotton polyester blend, this is more than just a well-crafted bag but the epitome of timeless design crafted with premium ingredients. Enjoy the very best in luxury men’s travel.

This bag measures at 50 x 35 x 22cm.

Farrar-Tanner has in house, state-of-the-art engraving and leather embossing machinery, operated by skilled and experienced staff to ensure that your product is engraved with a perfect, striking and everlasting finish.

Some of these gifts are situational. For example, if you know that your friend, family member or a significant other has a job interview after the holidays, you may look for the way to help them out. Buying a full suit may be too expensive even for a Christmas gift. The right watch is much more than just a timepiece; it expresses who you are. Whether you are in a bar, at work, a formal event or even at the beach, your watch should be suitable for all occasions and it was for this reason that James Derby was born.

Manufactured with the highest quality Japanese movement in a stainless steel case, with sapphire crystal quality glass and genuine leather straps, each timepiece produced represents what the brand stands for with performance, charm, excitement, heritage and prestige coming together to create unique designs.

The high level of quality and excellence required from a modern day watch is paramount, which is why they have kept their collections small so they can ensure perfection across every single watch that they produce.

When it comes to immaculate style, Ted believes in taking it from the top; allow yourself a head start and the rest will surely follow. Introducing the new product range from Ted’s Grooming Room.

Infused with ingredients inspired by the ancient Ottoman Empire, this performance-led treatment regime has been authentically crafted to recreate the master barber experience. Perfected in London by Ted’s Grooming Room, these distinctive formulations honour the expertise of the traditional Turkish shave, using powerful, naturally active ingredients to transform the grooming ritual. Ted Baker’s modern design aesthetic is uniquely represented on the packaging. The traditional barbershop pole gets a luxurious update with metallic chevrons, contrasted against a pearlised base that leaps off the shelf.

The Chelsea boot is a great one to wear when the temperature drops, but when you still need something to wear that looks good in the office. These boots are laceless, so they are much better at keeping your feet and ankles warm, and you can find many great looking Chelsea boots that integrate modern soles, so they’re also extremely comfortable as well. Chelsea boots pair well with business casual clothing like jeans and cords.

There are many Chelsea Boots, but our company of 2017-18 has got to be Samuel Windsor.

We hate buying it for ourselves, but all we want is manly or even funny underwear. It all depends on the particular person as well as if the gifted one (pun intended) is going to be on their own when they unwrap it. The underwear that caught our eye is AVA-J.

Gone are the days when men consider pants to be the ‘must not have’ Christmas present. That’s according to ava-j, a British internet retailer of luxury men’s underwear and Skincare products, manufactured in the UK.

Joe Goddard, Design and Operations Director at the Leeds based business says most men are now more than happy to receive such presents on Christmas morning, providing that the quality and style is top notch.

‘Men are more conscious about their appearance than ever before and that includes their pants,’ says Joe. ‘Traditionally it was only ever women who received nicely presented, stylish underwear, but we have now taken those core values of product, packaging and presentation into the male market and the reaction has been incredible, particularly from women buying for their husbands and partners.’

For the adventurers who plan to be halfway up a climbing wall, mid warrior pose in the gym or doing the downward dog in 2018, the Standard Mouth Sports Cap from drinking bottle specialist Hydro Flask allows you to simply sip, refresh and go.

The American, award-winning company, which specialises in insulated drinking bottles, has added this versatile cap to its product range. It fits onto any of Hydro Flask’s Standard Mouth drinking bottles and is interchangeable. So it doesn’t matter whether you already own the 18, 21 or 24 ounce drinking bottle. One size fits all.

The Sports Cap is insulated, just like the drinking bottle, so any liquid kept inside will stay icy fresh for up to 24 hours offering unexpected refreshment. In fact, it’s the first-ever insulated sports cap specifically designed to keep water cold, sip after sip.

Traditionally the most common Christmas gifts. Accidentally, they are also a perfect low-cost option for those who approach the holiday season on a tight budget. The London Sock Exchange offers socks, those with cutting edge patterns, tartan or polka dot motifs as classic as these presents get. However, if the person you’re gifting is a renowned jokester, you can even look for a prank-gift in a form of a particularly silly pair of socks. Needless to say, wearing these at any family gathering would be a great success.

Lets wrap this up…

As you can see, there is a great choice of great gifts for you to go through. The final choice comes down to your personal preference and what you believe your friend/partner would like. Choosing a great gift is not that hard, but in some situations great simply isn’t great.

Tomorrow we’ll be posting the perfect gift for her, if you’re struggling last minute. Keep an eye out!

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CROWNARCH

In 2016, Crownarch the International watch brand set out its vision based on one key principle; to fuse quality and luxury with affordability. Above all, Crownarch believe it is their duty to make their customers feel a sense of pride as they wear their timepiece.

OBSESSED, OVER THE DETAILS

Driven by detail and obsessed with image, Crownarch capture the audience with their visual story-telling. Throughout the journey, the customer is taken through an experience, where you see the watches in the surroundings of supercars, yachts and everything opulent. Subtly, Crownarch has aligned its brand with a certain lifestyle that its core customers aspire too; whilst still focusing on providing quality and value.

Crownarch introduces Chrono series as the first in its collection. These eye- catching pieces are presented in five colours, each possessing their own personality and style. They are charismatically individual, suited to both the sharply dressed city man as well as the hip and trendy college student.

The most distinctive feature of the watch is its Milanese mesh strap. Available in a black, silver and rose gold finish, it has been designed with purpose and intent of solving two key areas of concern amongst wearers; that of comfort and durability.

The cross-hatch design is a pleasant alternative to the conventional leather and metal styles, making the experience of adjustment just as pleasurable as wearing the timepiece itself. The clever design of this strap allows for effortless application and removal, with just one simple adjustment. Wrist markings and the catching of arm hairs are also a thing of the past.

Crownarch offer Free worldwide delivery / Free returns / a glossy wooden box with every purchase and all for £145.00.

Crownarch Mens Watches offer 5 Unique designs for the Modern Gent – Each watch has it’s own story. Find out more at crownarch.com.

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Some people are ready to go over the top to get that special someone a gift of their dreams. However, spending excessively on gifts is probably not something you can do every month and definitely not something you can afford twice a month. Now, birthday, Christmas and anniversary are occasions where the price tag doesn’t matter. Still, this doesn’t mean that a good present is necessarily an expensive one. This especially goes when gifting a guy.

So, are you after that perfect stocking filler? Already anticipating the look on his face (or, if your just buying for yourself this Christmas) here are a few great last minute ideas.

There’s still time lads and lasses, lets go-ho-ho-ho…

Wallet

The thing about men is that, although they like getting nice stuff, they value pragmatism above all else. A perfect way to combine the two is to get them a leather-bound wallet. This is also a perfect reminder of your devotion since they will remember you every time they use it. But you can even take this one step further and get your man a Covert Clip travel wallet. By having this wallet, you’re making this gift both unforgettable and completely unique because of it’s practicality and design.

Belt

One of the greatest things about buying a belt is that it’s something everyone wants, but seldom actually comes around to buy for themselves. Here, you will have a plethora of choice like whether you will go for something simple and practical or even buy something handmade like The British Belt Company belt. All in all, this decision is not your own, since it should be based on the personal taste of the one the gift is intended for.

Socks

Traditionally, sweaters and socks are the most common Christmas gifts. Accidentally, they are also a perfect low-cost option for those who approach the holiday season on a tight budget. The London Sock Exchange offers socks, those with cutting edge patterns, tartan or polka dot motifs as classic as these presents get. However, if the person you’re gifting is a renowned jokester, you can even look for a prank-gift in a form of a particularly silly pair of socks. Needless to say, wearing these at any family gathering would be a great success.

Wristwatch

Some of these gifts are situational. For example, if you know that your friend, family member or a significant other has a job interview after the holidays, you may look for the way to help them out. Buying a full suit may be too expensive even for a Christmas gift. But, you can always get a useful accessory like a wristwatch or a tie. For those in love with retro, you may even want to consider buying a CIRCULR watch, minimalist design yet maximum style. This gift is particularly great for any outfit choice and occasion.

A Vintage Gift

It is human nature to always look at the times long gone buy through a prism of nostalgia. Seeing how they can’t bring back the time, the next closest thing these romantic dreamers resort to is collecting vintage items. If their home looks like more of a Victorian palace than a high-tech man-cave, you may want to consider getting them a nice vintage camera as a final touch. If money is really not the issue, you may even look for a vintage car and buy or, at least, rent it out for them.

Beard Grooming Kit

Another great idea would be to get them Arthur J Hawke beard grooming kit. Sure, everyone agrees that there is nothing more epic that a well-groomed full beard. Still, this is not something that just happens on its own. So, to help the person in question get on the right path, you could get them some starting products like beard oil, wax, and a moisturizer. This shows a great level of intimacy since it requires you to know their skin and hair type. Furthermore, you may also want to look for a nice beard comb and/or brush. Different materials both react and feel different in contact with your beard which is yet another thing to consider.

Underwear

Finally, you can get your friend a sexy, manly or even funny underwear. It all depends on the particular person as well as if the gifted one (pun intended) is going to be on their own when they unwrap it. The underwear that caught our eye is Tani USA. Those luxury underwear pieces are made of Micro Tencel® and Lycra® which makes them one of the most comfortable out there. Perfect for men on the run.

Lets wrap this up…

As you can see, there is a great choice of great gifts for you to go through. The final choice comes down to your personal preference and what you believe your friend/partner would like. Choosing a great gift is not that hard, but in some situations great simply isn’t great enough.

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When it comes to choosing accessories to go with your suit it can be tricky knowing what to pick, if it goes and whether it’s right for the occasion. With Christmas parties and festivities on the horizon, you’re probably going to be dusting off your blazer and wanting to impress. So we ask, what is best practice for men’s accessories?

Remember, accessories are the last thing on, but the first thing noticed. So when deciding on yours, it’s important that you take your time and know what you’re doing.

Most women will tell you that what attracts them to a stylish man lies within the details. Women understand this intimately; just a quick look at the extras they put into an outfit will tell you this. Ranging from make-up (and there are thousands of types each available in thousands of colours) to jewellery, hair accessories and bangles. Fortunately for us chaps, there are far and few between, so there should be no excuses!

Wearing accessories is a sure-fire way to stand out from the crowd and draw positive attention from the people your directing it towards. Apply these rules when wearing a suit and it’s even more evident.

Luckily, we’ve met Gentlemen’s Practice – a place for “Dapper Gents” to go and know that the leg work has been taken out of that search and for affordable prices. It’s a place to go and practice being a Gentlemen without breaking the bank.

Enough chatting, let’s take a look at what accessories every man should own…

Ties

A tie is the most basic of accessories. You can still spice things up a little depending on how you wear it and what type it is.

Firstly, make sure you choose the correct width. There are three main types:

1) Skinny
2) Slim
3) Standard

The Skinny fit is the trendier option and is suited for slimmer silhouettes and thinner suit lapels. Slim is obvious. And Standard, the ‘Mario’ of the tie world, still looks great without a jacket. The Average option is a more traditional style and has been around the longest. It’s probably what your dad has, no disrespect.

An important factor to consider is to make sure your tie has a dimple. It’s what sets the well-dressed from the stylish. Make sure you fall into the latter group.

Watches

Nothing screams amateur like wearing a sports watch with a formal suit. You wouldn’t play William Gallas a striker when picking Arsenal on ‘Pro Evo’ (well if you were one step ahead, you wouldn’t be picking Arsenal in the first place but that’s another matter. Forum time?) It’s out of place and out of position.

That’s exactly the same when wearing your watch. The right one can make your outfit, the wrong one breaks it completely.

A dress watch is an elegant-looking timepiece. They tend to be either mechanical or quartz, very seldom are they digital. Stick with a silver chrome watch as it compliments most suit colours.

Pocket Squares

Probably the simplest way of pushing your personal style to the next level, the attention that a simple pocket square gets is exponential.

As stated before, women pay great attention to details and the pocket square is a prime example. There are a variety of ways in which you can make the pocket square into your own. Like the tie, there are an array of colours and styles but even more options of how they can be worn.

A simple place to start is to match the colour of the square to a colour within your tie.

Once that’s sorted, you can start experimenting with patterns and fabrics. From paisley to checked, they add a little character to your suit and help individualise your look. If you find it a little difficult to pick a pattern, simply pick a colour in your suit and use that as a base to compliment the rest of your accessories, but do in subtly.

Cuff Links

Cuff links are only ever worn with French cuffs (double cuffs). There are many different names for the variety of cuff link styles each claiming to be the correct one. All-in-all they do the same thing. Our advice is to experiment with these little guys. You can really show off your personality. Either match it to similar colours in your suit or watch or just go for a design that sparks interest.

The thing to take away here is to understand that you don’t need to take them too seriously, just have fun with them (unless you’re the former Prime Minister…or dare we say it, Donald Trump!)

Tie Bar

The tie bar can often be associated with the car sales man in ‘The Fast Show’. But I assure you that it’s an accessory that is not only stylish but practical too.

Its main use is to keep your tie held firmly down to your shirt, avoiding an unkempt appearance by a tie that’s waving around like it’s on crack.

The small bling in the metallic bar adds the final finishing touch to your accessorised suit. They come in a variety of shapes, but a limited colour palette of either gold or silver (although we have found some decorated ones in vintage stores.)

Try one with your tie and discover how a simple metal bar raises your look; you’ll be surprised what it does to your whole outfit.

Bish, Bash, Bosh

Not only do Gentlemen’s Practice offer a monthly subscription box but they are also the home of affordable accessories at their online store. It’s a treasure chest of accessories and gentlemen’s treats! But, with their monthly box, they make it easier than you think.

Your dapperness comes straight to you! Easy!

…It can be tricky traipsing around the shops trying to find what you’re looking for…just because you’re too busy to be shopping all the time. So, who better to trust than the dapper gents at Gentlemen’s Practice (GP) to create a top end dapper products on your behalf each month and just send it to you for you to enjoy?

Well that’s what Gentlemen’s Practice are going to do if you sign up to the subscription service. Each month they’ll send you 3-4 dapper items (9 times out of 10 they’ll be a selection of those listed above) for you to add to your wardrobe armoury and for just £18 per month!

We were lucky enough to be sent the GP December Box, which featured the likes of what is shown above. The quality, detail and quirky nature of GP make each box feel personal and ridiculously easy to rip the box open and wear there and then.

If you have a dapper gent in your life that has no time on his hands, treat him this Christmas to the subscription box and enjoy his sharpness all year round.

For full stock lists and more information regarding the Gentlemen’s Practice Monthly Box-set, please visit their website here.

CIRCULR is the new British watch brand on a mission to disrupt the watch industry, making quality, fashion forward watches without unnecessary add-ons, so watches are so affordable that you can afford to have a new one every month.

When asked how the idea for CIRCULR was born, founder Danny Buck, said: “Gone are the days when people own just one watch. CIRCULR is here to shake things up. To get our watches to the right price we cut out the unnecessary add-ons, without compromising on quality. Removing the stuff you don’t actually need, after all when was the last time you were 10,000 metres under the sea? Or in space? I’m pretty sure if you want to check the date you’ll just reach for your phone, so we took all of this stuff out. All these unnecessary extras cost money and raise the price you pay.”

CIRCULR aren’t compromising on quality. Watches are designed in the UK and use the highest quality of materials. Japanese Miyota Movement- one of the best in the world, rose gold, sterling silver plated, 42.33mm face sizes, hardened mineral glass, 3ATM water resistant and genuine leather straps.

“We’re taking CIRCULR directly to the consumers” says Buck. “For me, I feel it’s imperative that brands have a direct channel to engage with their audience, so there’s no middleman here. We’ve cut them out too so that our customers can buy at the best price possible. Watches that would retail for £150-200 we offer direct for just £49. We live in a digital world where brands talk directly to their customers so the only place you can purchase CIRCULR is from us.”

CIRCULR have started strong. Within 4 hours of launching they’d sold their first 100 watches. Backers via Kickstarter can choose a number of rewards that gets them a CIRCULR watch and helps the brand reach its target. It’s risk free too. The CIRCULR project will only be funded if the full amount is received by 4th November. The first 1000 watches purchased will be available for free pre-Christmas delivery and additional pre-orders will be delivered in batch two in January.

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Maybe you’re starting a new career and you want to look professional and confident – a well-dressed man.

Maybe you’re going on a first date and you want to make a good impression.

Whatever your current situation is, it’s always in your best interest to dress for success.

There’s no denying that the first impression others form about you is largely influenced by your clothes and your accessories. And one of the few men’s fashion accessories that allows you to express your personality is the wrist watch.

The watch you wear does more than just tell time. It also tells people a little about you.

You don’t want your wrist watch to be distracting. You simply want to look nice and make a good first impression. That’s all.

Here are some of our top tips to help you choose the right watch:

Choose a reputable brand

You don’t want to wear a cheap generic watch. You should stick to dress watches from reliable brands like Minster 1949 (we’re going to introduce you to them a bit further down…it’s an introduction you’ll enjoy.)

The likelihood of you having to replace your watch frequently if it’s cheaper is high, however, splash out a little, treat yourself or ask for a cracking watch as a gift and you’ll go the distance.

Choose a conservative dress watch design

Generally speaking, you want to avoid flashy watches.

Professional offices (and job interviews) are usually no “bling” zones. You don’t want your watch to take the focus off of you and your credentials.

A casual watch or sport watch — that would be perfectly appropriate for a night on the town — may not be your best choice for work in a professional setting or a job interview.

For example, if you’re wearing your best conservative suit, then you’ll want to wear a conservative dress watch to match.

Choose a watch with a reasonably sized casing

For a conservative yet classy men’s watches, you’ll want one that is 37 to 42 millimeters in diameter and approximately less than 15 millimeters thick.

(Luckily, you will find basic watch case measurements with all watches.)

You also want a watch that easily fits under the cuff of a long sleeved dress shirt.

Colour co-ordinate your watch with your clothing and accessories

If your watch has a brown strap, then you should wear a brown belt and brown shoes.

A black strap or silver bracelet style watch band would go best with a black belt and black shoes.

If you’re wearing a blue suit, you may even want to try a watch with a blue background on the dial.

A 57 millimeter case and 25 millimeter thick watch case would be totally inappropriate unless you’re interviewing for a DJ position at a night club.

Don’t overwhelm people with an overly expensive watch

…I think that speaks for itself.

Consider if you’re going on a first date – how do you want to come across, the flash git who’s going to splash his cash, or the reserved gent with an understated confidence and pride? Your choice fellas, we don’t judge here.

With a big flashy watch you may also risk baiting yourself out for the easiest of muggings!

The Minster Watch brand has been producing hand made British timepieces since 1949. Reborn with modern materials and manufacturing techniques, vintage inspired styling and a thoroughly British heritage, the Minster 1949 range defines the new face of British made watches for the modern era.

Assembled in workshops in Halifax, UK, Minster 1949 marks the rebirth of watch manufacture in Yorkshire. Truly British made for the modern British market.

To highlight the commitment to quality and understated excellence in manufacture and design, all Minster 1949 watches are assembled with their custom designed movement holder. Instead of the normal plastic movement holder which secures most quartz movements in the rear of the case; they have designed and manufactured a stainless steel movement holder, engraved and jewelled with the Minster 1949 shield, to add hidden kudos to the product. The assemblers signature is also added to the inside of the case, a hallmark of the pride in their brand.

The five families of watches are named after and inspired by English country estates which fell into disuse during the 1940’s and 1950’s, which is reflected in the design language of the line, unashamedly vintage and authentic.

All Minster 1949 watches are presented in a uniquely designed wooden box, have a standard 3 year guarantee, a brand booklet, warranty and authenticity card.

Minster 1949’s family of watches are inspired by British Country Estates which fell into disuse in the 1940’s and 1950’s and are unashamedly British..

The Burlingham, Minster Reissued. To celebrate the re-launch of Minster 1949 and the emergence of a new generation of British watch manufacture, we have remade one of our iconic 1950’s styles as The Burlingham, Minster Reissued. The case is unique as a copy of the original Minster watch using solid casting for the bars and lugs instead of the normal spring bar construction. A pull trough NATO style leather strap completes the vintage feel of this very individual watch. Understated and iconic. The Burlingham represents everything we want to embody in our British watch collection; inspired in the past, translated for the present, desired for the future.

The Boyland, Minster Restated. A vintage product in the finest Minster 1949 tradition. The Boyland features mineral glass, super-luminous markers, a truly iconic dial and the Minster 1949 signature over-sized crown. Slightly smaller than our other styles, Boyland harks back to the design language of the 1930’s with red and black numerals on the dial and applied details. Simply, vintage styled with the confidence and sophistication embodying the Minster 1949 ethos.

The Bradnor, Minster Realigned. Minster 1949 take on a classic pilot’s watch. Over-sized cases in several plating executions combine with contrasting dials featuring applied details. Bradnor is bold and confident featuring our over-sized signature Minster 1949 crown and riveted strap to create a modern realignment of the pilot watch. A modern and authentic take on the 1930’s pilot watch.

The Fryston. Minster Retold. Minster’s take on retelling the Spitfire story. Over-sized 47mm case, with functional rotating inner chapter ring, vintage strap and functional screws holding in the bezel. The Fryston captures the spirit, rugged functionality and style associated with the 1940’s when Minster was born. Its a story teller on your wrist and a true statement of individuality and pride. Minster 1949 is proud to celebrate the heritage and sacrifice embodied in the spirit of the spitfire by donating £10 for every Fryston sold to the RAF Benevolent Fund.

Minster 1949 is a true British brand. The branding and ranges they create are something to gasp at. We were lucky enough to see a few of their watches up-close-and-personal, and believe us, they’re special.

We’ve received many compliments about our wrist attire, and this is thanks to each handmade piece, crafted so beautifully.

If you fancy a further browse of the Minster Watch Group ranges, please check out their stock-list.

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Summer is almost over and our sunny days on the swimming pools or at the beach are numbered. For a lot of people, this means going back to their regular workouts in the gym. And with this comes the age old question, what should we pack in our gym bag? Some people are organized and already know what they need, but the others have a hard time keeping track of what’s necessary and what’s not. That is why we compiled this list of must haves for your gym workouts this fall.

Water Bottle

This is a no-brainer for all gym rats out there, but a lot of people forget to put one in their gym bag. If you are one of the forgetful bunch, then we recommend that you to get one high-quality water bottle you will only use for the gym and always keep in your bag. They don’t wear out easily and don’t require much cleaning.

Gym Clothing

Workout clothes is something every gym lovers should think about. Sweating in the gym is normal and necessary, if you’re not sweating, you are not training hard enough and wearing the right gear.. That’s why you should look for high quality gym clothing like Distinct Clothing offers. Good pair of gym fit t-shirts or tanks and compression shorts are a must this fall.

Jockstraps

Jockstraps are very important if you do a lot of cardio and have a lot of bouncing down there. They will provide a much-needed support and keep your whole “package” in one place. There are a lot of models you can choose from, but essentially, what makes a good jockstrap is a resilient rear strap and a firm waistband. Pick designs that you like at JockUp and you are set to run for as long as you want. Also, wash your jockstrap frequently because they tend to get dirtier and smellier faster than the regular underwear.

Sports Watch

A good sports watch is absolutely necessary for gym workouts that include running or multiple rounds of exercises. We know that you can count in your head how much sets and reps you did on the bench, but if you really want to enhance your performance while doing time sensitive exercises, we strongly recommend that you get one. If you keep track of the time to the millisecond, you can see where your strength dips and improve on that. Some of the best sport watches you can check out here.

Body shapers

One last thing on our list is body shapers. The body shaper is essentially underwear that goes beneath your clothes to make your body figure leaner and add additional support. Some people question the need for body shapers in your workouts, but we think that they have wider use than just giving you a better look. Because of their tight grip they can provide additional support for your back, chest or belly, depending on what model you are wearing. Companies likeLeonisamake one of the best body shapers on the market and offer a wide range of models. Pick the one you need and you will not only look better but also have much needed extra support during your intense workouts.

With this, we conclude our list of necessary equipment for your gym workouts. We hope that you found this article useful and that it reminded you of a few things that you would otherwise forget. So, this fall, when the summer is officially over and all of you gym lovers return to your sanctuaries, remember to pack items from this list and enjoy your workouts.

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Feeling satisfied after a weekend of the Irish wind blowing through our hair, we’re going to let you know all about Dublin based company Manly Stuff.

Manly Stuff are a growing corner of the web that stock (funnily enough) all the ‘manly stuff’ a lad about town may need to keep him looking fresh, trim and most of all on top form. Stocking a range of masculine accessories and male grooming appliances and products, what they have to offer will take the hassle out of shopping and put the ease into your morning routine.

We’re going to go over a few items that were sent to us by Sean at Manly Stuff to test run, to ensure you guys are fully informed, but also highlight just a flash of what they have to offer. Who doesn’t like a tease…

Also, one for the Dad’s with Father’s Day coming up on 18th June in the UK.

Shaving

ManlyStuff.ie – reintroducing men to the art of Wet Shaving. At an affordable price.

Feel like a real man again, even if it’s only for 10 minutes of uninterrupted tranquility.

Wet Shaving with a DE Safety Razor is one of life’s simpler pleasures. A Safety Razor provides the best shave known to man (apart from a barber, maybe!). How often these days do we snooze the alarm, get up in a panic, quick shower & a shave, throw on the suit, run for the bus, miss the bus, late for work, miss the meeting, catch up, eat lunch at your desk, leave work late, get home tired, sleep in… rinse and repeat.

Taking the time for a real shave in the morning isn’t just a shave, you’re preparing yourself for the day ahead. Get up earlier, spend the 10 minutes enjoying your morning routine. There is nothing more therapeutic than a good shaving routine.

Manly Stuff buy their razors, brushes, grooming products & accessories in bulk from trusted suppliers in Ireland, the UK, India & China and the USA in some cases.

Manly Stuff’s shaving sets are thoughtfully put together to offer great value and contain everything you’ll need for a fantastic shave.

We tested one of the Men’s Stainless Steel Shaving Set (€34.99) the perfect shaving set for those starting their wet shaving adventure. It consists of a Stainless Steel Safety Razor and a luxury Boar Shaving Brush. This safety razor provides a mild to mid aggressive shave and so is very suited to beginners. The boar shaving brush ensures a thick lather and will exfoliate the skin as you go.

Combine this set with some of the lovely soaps (explained further down) and you’re ready to start enjoying shaving again…we completely upgraded our shave and for once enjoyed shaving!

Grooming

Pre-Shave Oil? Proraso pre shave cream? The perfect post shave balm? The carefully selected array of products are chosen to provide you with the only shaving products you need for the perfect shave. The alum products are perfect for sealing any small nicks, our alum matchsticks for example are great for travel. (These we must say we did not even know about until Manly Stuff sent us them!) They have a great selection of natural shaving products for a price range that includes everyone. The shaving range is perfect for the beginner and wet shaving enthusiast alike. All products are sent in well packaged lovely boxed so rest assured your shaving hoard will arrive safely.

Having Soaps & Shaving creams are a much better alternative than anything that comes from a can. Although the cost may seem higher, in reality and puck of shaving soap will last for months and a cream the same. You’ll need a shaving brush to build a lather but that helps exfoliate your skin anyway so is highly recommended. Manly Stuff try and source their shaving soaps and shaving creams from local artisan producers where possible. They also include a few favourites such as the super Arko and Proraso.

Watches

Manly Stuff keep their minimalist watches free of branding, why? Because they look better. All of the Minimalist Watches and Wooden Watches are designed in-house and made using the finest materials. The Minimalist Watches are made from a variety of different woods and metals and are incredibly light, extremely stylish and come with a Japanese Quartz Movement.

These are the essentials required for every gentleman and all in one place.

To Sum Up…

Did you know they skip all the expensive branding and marketing and let word of mouth do our work. By selling the products without the brand, they can make it cheaper for you – the customer.

You’d be amazed at how many “luxury” (expensive!) brands buy their products from the same factories Manly Stuff do, but they hike the price by 1000% because they know people will buy them.

Manlystuff.ie is laid out perfectly for a novice shaver to a trained professional it’s easily categorised and allows you to learn whats best for you, develop your shaving knowledge and progress through each stage. The sections and subsections make it a pleasurable visit and easy to navigate for what you want.

With that in mind, the best part about Manly Stuff is that they develop and grow on the customer feedback, in fact they thrive on it. It’s nice to hear that the consumer is thought about from start to finish, don’t you think chaps?

Ask yourself this…picture the scene: you’ve got up a bit blurry eyed, you need to shave before work, you grab your new shaving foam and you start to closely cut the hair back. You then realise you hate the smell and consistency of the foam, its too oily and the razor is blunt as hell! How annoyed are you, leaving the house with toilet paper dots over your face? Not very! ….but that doesn’t matter, because it wouldn’t happen if everything was bought via Manly Stuff.

They want their products to be the best. They spend a lot of time sourcing them from countries far and wide and spend a lot of money in ensuring what you have in your hands is a fantastic product. How do they know what you’re getting is the best? They use them! Everyday. You’re onto a winner chaps!

Here’s how our Manly Stuff pack looked like when it arrived, check it out…

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A quick article today chaps, featuring a few short pointers on key wardrobe favourites for every guy in the office.

I work in an office, Monday through Friday, 0900-1700. I always want to look my best but want that edge of difference to make me stand out. Fundamentally, with all my posts, I can’t afford the expensive new suits and accessories of your everyday typical ‘baller’, so instead I choose to re-wear, mix up and match different outfits with those of others that I think will work.

Here is today’s outfit for the office, not overly expensive, but I received several compliments already…and it’s only lunchtime!

The Topman grey skinny tailored Blazer gives the smart look, with added black cotton trim to really smarten up this outfit. With its fitted approach under the arms and around the shoulders, it formalizes what would’ve been a white shirt and black jean combo. The Black edging and fine lapel offer the tailored look opportunity for a tie.

As I’ve gone for black, white and grey, it really didn’t limit me to tie style, colour or material – I’ve therefore gone for a bold red silk tie to bring the outfit to life. This tie was £2.00 from Primark. Whilst we’re on accessories, I’ve worn my red smart socks courtesy of The London Sock Co. to tie the outfit together. They really set off the tan brogues from Burton Menswear (these I got free when i purchased a three piece suit for £99.00).

The black skinny jeans I’m wearing from Topman have a wax look to them, they therefore don’t give the impression of a jean, but do have the comfort for the office, leaving everyone non-wiser. The not-overly-obvious skinny tailoring smarten up your leg-wear perfect for meetings and rest lightly on the top of my brogues. (In turn this shows I’ve thought about my outfit twinning my tie and socks in to finalise the look). Sale- £20.00

The shirt is a crisp white smart cotton shirt from H&M‘s easy-iron range. There’s nothing worst than a creased shirt for the office, but with the easy iron, a quick skim over in the morning doesn’t waste time, but keeps your looking pressed. The white shirt lifts the dark blazer and jeans allowing options for colour in your accessories to show off your personality. Easy-Iron Shit £7.99

Not only would this outfit suit the office, it would be perfect for a smasual party, a night in a fancy club or when you’re passing round the over sized Grey Goose bottle for a selfie to impress. (I joke).

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“Time is the most valuable thing a man can spend”

…and on time is what I’ve spent my money. Not a lot of money, but hence the reason for this very short, but very sweet post.

Unfortunately, my trusty watch stopped at the weekend, I’ve had it for a good few years, so tasked myself with finding a new one. I wanted something suitable for work and play and more importantly not too pricey.

If you’re like me, I feel naked without my watch on, so I wanted a new one pretty sharpish…having spent 3 days looking at my bare wrist for the time. Not cool.

After browsing the first places online that sprung to mind, nothing was jumping out at me. They were either ridiculously chavy or came with a hefty price tag. That was until I remembered ASOS had sent me an email about their Men’s Watches Sale a few weeks ago, so I head on over to their site.

I found it. It’s smart, classy, eye catching and not a chunky number that screamed “rob me”.

I’ve blogged about ASOS before and how speedy their service is, it’s cracking. I ordered at 6 pm at night, with next delivery for a fiver. At 10 am the next day my wrist was fully dressed again, not catching the breeze and I could relax, ready for anyone to ask me time. (I’ve been some what walking around the office today with my sleeve rolled up, hoping someone will ask about it).

I’m my own worst enemy though, I give away all my secrets and told them how much it was.

Chaps, if you’re looking for a new watch, that looks expensive (minus the price tag) take a look at ASOS’ Watches range – with currently 70% off a lot of items, even watches, it’s top notch.